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SCRANTON - GAR emerged as an inspiring story this year, but couldn't complete its run with a storybook ending.

Recovering after starting the season with seven straight losses, the Grenadiers reached the District 2 Class AAA final. But they ran into an experienced Abington Heights team looking to repeat as gold-medal winners.

Jason Bamford scored 25 points, had 10 rebounds and swatted three shots as the top-seeded Comets rolled to a 58-37 win over second-seeded GAR on Friday night in the District 2 Class AAA championship boys basketball game at Scranton High School.

Celebrating its second straight district crown, Abington Heights (25-2) will play the District 4 runner-up, either Milton or Shikellamy in the first round of the PIAA playoffs.

GAR (17-9) will play Donegal, the third-place team from District 3.

"We did some positive things," GAR coach Paul Brown said. "We have had a good year. From where we started out, these kids are playing hard. Bamford just killed us with his quickness inside."

Abington Heights had a game plan to pound the ball inside to Bamford and then when the Grenadiers doubled him, it turned to T.J. Murray.

That combination overwhelmed the Grenadiers.

In the first half, Bamford ignited the Comets with three dunks and 13 points.

"We ran the floor well," Bamford said. "They have some great guards and we had to take care of the ball.

"And early we got out and ran and did that."

But GAR overcame a sluggish first quarter when it fell behind, 18-6, by pressuring the ball and forcing eight turnovers in the second.

An 11-0 run that featured five points from Isaiah Francis and three steals from James Holmes got the Grenadiers to with 22-20 with 3:05 remaining in the half.

But Abington Heights' J.C. Show fueled a 4-0 surge to finish the quarter.

"We had a little bit of a run and started to play better defense," Brown said. "We were able to get some rebounds and baskets."

Coming out in the third quarter, sticking to its initial game plan, the Comets went right back to the middle.

Only this time Murray took charge. Using his quickness to his advantage, the 6-foot-5 senior got to the basket, scoring on quick underhand scoop shots and nifty reverse layups.

"The game plan was to get the ball inside, try to get him (Skrepnak) in foul trouble and run the floor," said Murray, who also had four rebounds in the second half. "In the second half, we came out and played Abington Heights basketball. We huddled up right at the start and said we were going to win this for each other.

"We made the extra pass, and that was what we didn't do in the second quarter."

He had six of his 10 points in the third, and Show finally broke free from an otherwise tough night against the Grenadiers pressure with a pair of 3-pointers.

"We were trying to get the ball inside," Show said. "But Jason and T.J. were making layups, so then we drove and kicked it out. We were much more patient in the second half."

GAR also suffered through a 3 of 20 shooting night from beyond the 3-point arc and were outrebounded 40-26.

"That is about as cold as you can get," Brown said. "We just didn't execute tonight. Their match-up zone is so tough. And it is tough to simulate in practice.

"We did a lot of standing around and settled for a lot of 3s and obviously they didn't fall."

Finishing strong, and with Skrepnak on the bench, Bamford went back on the attack. He scored eight points inside and the Comets had secured the game and their gold medals.

"It feels great to be part of this team," Bamford said. "We have come so far. This started back in November and to be here with a gold medal, it just feels great."

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